Mexico oil spill crisis unfolds, 2,000 responders deployed

Oil slicks along Mexico’s coastline are posing a threat to coral reefs and marine ecosystems, environmental groups have warned, as cleanup efforts continue following a spill in the Gulf of Mexico, according to Frankfurter Allgemeine newspaper.

Mexican authorities say around 2,000 personnel have been deployed to contain and remove the contamination. The spill reached the shores of the states of Veracruz and Tabasco, with President Claudia Sheinbaum stating that at least part of the oil originated from a vessel.

Additional slicks were detected during aerial surveillance operations. The navy indicated that some of these may be linked to natural seepage, with crude oil rising from underground deposits to the sea surface. In response, containment booms have been installed to limit further spread.

Speaking at a press conference, Environment Minister Alicia Bárcena said that “for now, there is no expectation of serious environmental damage.” She confirmed that the Attorney General’s Office has opened an investigation into the incident. According to authorities, only a limited number of birds and sea turtles have been affected. A dolphin found dead in the area is believed to have died from the impact of a blow rather than oil contamination.

Environmental organizations, however, have raised concerns about potential long-term damage to coral reefs, mangroves, and marine wildlife.

Officials report that beaches have already been largely cleaned, while affected fishing communities are receiving government assistance, Sheinbaum said. Mexico’s state energy company Pemex added that approximately 430 tons of pollutants have been removed from the sea and coastal areas so far.

The navy said the spill likely originated from a private vessel that has not yet been identified, near the port of Coatzacoalcos. Environmentalists, citing satellite imagery, reported that by mid-February the oil slick had covered an area of about 50 square kilometers. In the weeks that followed, it gradually spread along a coastline stretching roughly 630 kilometers.

By Tamilla Hasanova